Here is some “good news” from around the region….
Local councils in Sunset Country have been quite busy lately, pushing through several decisions that focus on infrastructure, housing, and community wellness.
Sioux Lookout council passed a by-law to execute a $16.6 million funding agreement with the province. This will upgrade the Wastewater Treatment Plant and extend services along Highway 72, which is critical for the town’s future growth.
Sioux Lookout council also approved the Waterfront Programming as the “2026 Community Choice Project,” providing one-time funding for community-led events on the water.
Red Lake council is focusing heavily on “infill” and modernization to handle the population boom:
Creative Housing: Recent decisions have approved turning older, unused buildings (like a former church) into multi-unit dwellings and yoga studios, and allowing temporary dormitories in Madsen to house the surge in regional workers.
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation: Active Living
Connected Community: The Nation has secured a $50,000 grant (running through 2027) to develop an Active Transportation Network Plan. The goal is to build safe walking and cycling routes that connect the two parts of the reserve, making the community less car-dependent and more pedestrian-friendly.
In Ignace…..Streamlining Growth: Council is currently rewriting zoning and land-use policies to make them “business-friendly.” Their goal is to allow commercial and residential development to happen “seamlessly” as the community prepares for potential large-scale regional projects.
Machin Safety: Council has been prioritizing Highway 17 safety improvements, specifically advocating for the “twinning” or widening of problem areas near Vermilion Bay to keep the Trans-Canada open during winter storms.
Dryden City Council has greenlit several high-impact projects for the 2026 season:
Duke Street Reconstruction: A major $3.4 million project to overhaul Duke Street (between Casimir and Earl Avenue). While the surface work is funded by provincial grants, the city is investing an additional $2.1 million in municipal reserves to replace the aging water and sewer mains underneath.
Sandy Beach Leisureplex: The city is putting $1.5 million into fixing up the Leisureplex (which they now officially own), including adding brand-new pickleball courts for roughly $650,000.
South Van Horne Project: Council earmarked $300,000 to purchase 10 acres of surplus provincial land at the south end of Van Horne Avenue. This is part of a larger plan to develop a 30-acre subdivision with new housing and public waterfront access.
Almost every council in the region is currently pivoting toward housing. Whether it’s zoning changes in Red Lake or assessments in Sioux Lookout, there is a unified push to make sure there are actually homes available for the people the new mining and energy projects will bring in.
What’s your good news today? If you have good news text the details to the TbayTel Talk and Text Line at 807-223-5215.
